Series Preview: Indians vs. Reds

Apologies for the lack of logos… I’m using a computer that I’m not accustomed to for this series preview. BUT anyways on to what you really want to read. So, how about that last series. Despite the White Sox coming in to the two-game set ten games back of the Tribe they took two games from Cleveland on Wednesday and Thursday. Through five games this season the White Sox have won four over the Indians. After scoring 26 runs against the Royals the Indians offense was virtually non-existent against the White Sox. In Game 1 Jake Peavy was brilliant. He went the distance in the shutout and only allowed three hits. After peeking at the box score after game 1 I was caught myself doing a Harry Doyle impersonation, “Theee Damn Hits!?” And Shin-Soo Choo had tow of those. A sacrifince fly in the first was the only scoring, so if you were late to  your seat you missed all of the scoring, but still witnessed a fantastic pitching performance by both guys on the hill. Justin Masterson also went the complete game for the Tribe only allowing one run on five hits. Game 2 saw the Sox get the best of Fausto Carmona again as he was tagged for eight earned runs on seven hits in five innings. In the end, they Tribe dug themselves into too deep of a hole to get themselves out. Now it’s on to the battle of Ohio with last  year’s surprise team, the Cincinnati Reds.

May 20-22, 2011

Progressive Field

Scouting Report

• Cincinnati – The Reds have owned the Indians over the past three seasons going 13-5 over that span. They’ve won seven out of their last ten but have lost two straight (against the Pirates of all teams!) and will look to reverse their recent fortunes in Cleveland, a place that has proved tough for opposing teams this season. They only managed three runs, all in the same game in a two game set against Pittsburgh. In Cincinnati’s four previous games, they put up a total of 30 runs.

• Cleveland – The Indians two game series gainst the White Sox was at best disappointing. They, like the Reds, put up gaudy numbers in their previous three contests but only managed a total of two runs against the White Sox. The Indians will be without the services of Grady Sizemore and likely Travis Hafner who is dealing with rib soreness. Hafner  has yet to be sent to the Disabled List and the Indians will sorely miss those two capapble bats in the lineup as it looks like the Tribe will face Homer Bailey and Edinson Volquez in the second and third games of the series. Hafner is batting a team leading .345.

Pitching Match-up(s)

Game 1 – Travis Wood vs. Alex White

• Travis Wood  3-3, 5.01 ERA

Wood gave up seven hits and a walk in six innings against St. Louis on Sunday, but the Cardinals only managed a pair of solo home runs. Wood succeeded at minimizing damage, and he was helped by two double plays.

• Alex White  1-0, 3.75 ERA

White threw 11 pitches in one clean inning against the Mariners on Saturday, but the game and his stats were washed away by heavy rain. The 22-year-old rookie will kick of Interleague Play against the Reds.

Game 2 – Homer Bailey vs. Josh Tomlin

• Homer Bailey  3-0, 1.89 ERA

Bailey was not as sharp against the Cubs on Monday as he had been on his first two starts, but he lasted long enough to win. He walked the bases loaded in the first but adjusted to a mechanical problem, striking out the side to get out of the jam.

• Josh Tomlin  5-1, 2.56 ERA

Tomlin delivered six solid innings to pick up a win at Kansas City on Monday. He allowed just five hits and didn’t issue a walk.

Game 3 – Edinson Volquez vs. Carlos Carrasco

• Edinson Volquez 3-1, 5.59 ERA

After struggling with his command in his two previous outings, Volquez felt he was gripping the ball better in Tuesday’s win against the Cubs. He struck out a season-high nine batters and walked just one in six innings.

• Carlos Carrasco  2-2, 5.03 ERA

In his second start since coming off the disabled list, Carrasco delivered 5 1/3 solid innings last Tuesday in a win at Kansas City. Carrasco allowed just two runs on five hits.

Probable Lineups

Cincinnati

1. CF Drew Stubbs

2. DH Jonny Gomes

3. 1B Joey Votto

4. 2B Brando Phillips

5. RF Jay Bruce

6. 3B Scott Rolen

7. LF Chris Heisey

8.    C Ryan Hanigan

9. SS Paul Janish

Cleveland

1. CF Michael Brantley

2. SS Asdrubal Cabrera

3. RF Shin-Soo Choo

4.    C Carlos Santana

5. DH Shelly Duncan

6. 2B Orlando Cabrera

7. 1B Matt LaPorta

8. LF Austin Kearns

9. 3B Jack Hannahan